The kid is born in Tennessee. His mother dies during childbirth, and his father buries his grief in alcohol, ignoring the child and never talking about his mother. The kid runs away when he is fourteen.

2. How does the Kid get to Nacogdoches?

The kid travels through Tennessee to St. Louis to New Orleans where he is shot in the back by a Maltese boatswain in a tavern. The tavern keeper's wife cares for his wounds but the kid has no money to pay her and sneaks away in the middle of the night. The kid boards a boat bound for Texas and takes odd jobs until he makes his way to Nacogdoches.

3. What does the bald man say is wrong with the preacher?

This man says that the preacher is an imposter, that he cannot even read the words he preaches, and he is wanted in four states for various offenses, including the rape of a young girl. The bald man also accuses the preacher of having relations with a goat.